Child Rapist Spotted Near Brighton Grammar School

An urgent warning has been sent out to students and parents at a Melbourne private school after a convicted sex offender on the run from police was spotted nearby.

Joel Pregnell is on the run after attempting to hit a police officer in a stolen black Suzuki swift with the registration 1LY 7UI on January 30.

The 37-year-old who has a distinctive cross tattoo on the left side of his face, was convicted of the rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2007 and other sexual offences, the Herald Sun reports.

Brighton Grammar School has notified parents and students that the sex offender was sighted in the Bayside area, near Gardenvale Station and in Hampton.

The private boys school has urged parents to make their sons aware of the situation, and ensure they call triple-0 immediately if they see Pregnell.

Acting Commander Neil Paterson has described Pregnell as 'dangerous' as he has a violent criminal history. He's described as being about 180cm tall, with brown eyes, a thin build, short brown hair and unshaven.